A Kiwi Winter's Tale

Life in New Zealand has gone so fast; we are now in August and only have 20 working days left until we leave for South America! As I sit here today, staring out of our patio doors across the field surrounding our house, I am struggling to sum up our life here. Sunny, yet stressful, fun, yet boring at times, stunning yet confusing, hot yet cold indoors, inspiring yet annoying and finally one of the most beautiful countries in the world with so much to explore.

This country has hidden depths, around each corner there is beauty, each drive equals a wow or a check-that-out, each walk unveils new bush or forest, each run finds new paths and stunning visuals. New Zealand has it all, beauty, all western needs, comfort, safety, excitment and adventure, the only downfall is that it is situated on the other side of the world to everything we know as home.

The last few months have been confusing for Terry and I. He has struggled to find his place in this country, struggled with work and the daily grind. For him, the weekends are play time and during the week he could be anywhere in the world working, nothing new or necassarily invigorating. The only differences are the amazing sunrises over the volcano that is Rangitoto each morning on our drive to work.

For me, I have found my place in the working world, lapping up all of what working for a charity means. Each day I am inspired to work hard to helps others, each day I am faced with new challenges and new things to learn. The last 10 months for me have taught me key marketing skills that I can take forward. It has also changed me as a person and opened my eyes to how other people survive in this world. When I leave work, I leave buzzing everyday, ready to meet Terry and tell him how exciting my day was. Last Friday we had a cultural day and 5 Brits dressed up as the Spice Girls, I was scary spice and we had a great laugh. World Vision is an amazing organisation full of amazing people wanting to do everything they can to help children in poverty. Of course everyone can be cynical about charities, but World Vision truly does do everything it has the power to do so.

Although we have been saving hard, our weekends have still offered us amazing opportunities such as spending 3 weekends on Lake Tarawera; the most beautiful lake in the central North Island. I recall one awesome weekend when our friend who we met on safari in Africa with, Mark, was staying with us. This weekend we went to Tarawera and were met by the most amazing snow capped mountains. Tarawera is a volcano that exploded in the early 20th century and ash was found in Japan as it was such a huge explosion.

Our lovely friends Ben and Brendan, Shannon and Mark, Terry and I all travelled down and just relaxed. Long lovely walks along the lakes, wood burning fires, games on the deck and big dinners to fill our bellies! Perfect! Stunning holidays that take you away from the 9-5 Auckland life.


...this is Rangitoto in the morning mist

We have had fun living in the Verran House with Shannon. Mark came to live with us for a while, but unfortunately as he came in winter (and due to the fact that our house doesn't receive any sun), he decided to leave the shores of Auckland and head home. We were very sad to say goodbye especially as he didnt get to see how beautiful this country is.

We have had some fun parties living here, glow stick parties, earth hour and other random get-togethers. In true Kiwi tradition, we also had a mid winter Christmas too. We had Ben and Brendan over for a day of food (veggie of course), secret santa gifts, games, home alone and New Zealands next top model, Bens awesome game! The house is still decorated, it looks so pretty we do not want to take them down!

Other weekends have been filled with random road trips, one trip to Marawai Beach in West Auckland, stunning beach. We watched the sunset in awe of this country. Yesterday, Shannon and I went to a multicultural day and watched dancers from over the world, which made me excited for our next steps. Other weekends have been filled with random walks around Auckland, along the beaches and volcanoes.

You only have to drive for a few minutes to find a beautiful walk. Just last week we parked up the road from our house on the way home from work and stumbled on an amazing park with increbily huge birds. This country surprises me everyday.

Although New Zealand has dealt us some random cards, its spiced our lives up exploring who we are and what we want. It has been mixed with christianity, exploration, upset, happiness, excitment and confusion. I will never forget how stunning this country is and what an amazing place it is to live and bring children up in. Its safe and clean and always something to see and do.



Next weekend we are hoping to drive and see the snow, only a few hours drive away just so we can see it for the last time. It doesnt snow in Auckland during winter, in fact I wouldnt actually call this winter as I havent even thought about putting my coat on yet! I still wear thin cardigans to work and the sun is nearly always shinning, however it does on the central highlands and in the South Island.

If you ever get the chance to visit this country then take it! It truly is magical and will stay in our memories forever. One year is long enough for us to know that its not necessarily where you live in this world as long as you have important people around you, you should be happy.

New Zealand has it all but a year without seeing any family and friends is a long time. Should be good fun getting back to the 'true' veggie diet of quorn, quorn, quorn! ...and seeing Marmite in its true form....THE MASSIVE JAR!! Bring it on!

Although I am watching Jeremy Kyle right now and reconsidering coming home, lol!


Our local shops and Rangitoto from the North Shore

The harbour Bridge and local Palms

Auckland from the bridge and on route to the beach

Piha beach

The waterfall at Piha



Terry being magical and the sunsetting on Murowhai Beach

Having fun with the sun

Auckland By night

Our town...and the sunset

Fun with mates at Long Bay and Tarawera

Autumn Fun

Snow Capped Tarawera and local carvings



Mid Winter Christmas time

Parties at Verran Road House